2.6 Motor Vehicles

"If you have someone to share the cost, a rental car can sometimes be well
worth the expense as it gives you great flexibility, both in sights to see
and in accommodations off the beaten track. I found rental cars in several
places running $17 to $20 US per day, unlimited mileage plus petrol. These
varied from an old clunker with virtually no tread on the tires and a wonky
turn signal (Sri Lanka), to a brand-new car (Maui), but all ran well and were
acceptably safe." <Larry Cotter>

If you would like to cross the US cheaply, but quickly, there are 'driveaways',
cars that need to be transported across the country.
The Auto Driveaway Company
800-562-1558 and 800-346-2277
which has a network of agencies in 75 US and Canadian cities.
Look for others in the Yellow Pages under 'auto transport' or 'trucking'.

"Some friends of mine went on an RTW trip and spent six months in Australia.
At the beginning of their stay they bought a van, used it for transportation
and slept in it most of the time, then sold it at the end of their stay,
thereby recovering a good part of their expenses. I realize that there are
complications relating to registration and insurance, and that there are
risks, but it is an option worth considering." <Wayne Citrin>

"When reselling your car, try to find a bottle of the stuff
that strips off the outer layer of wax and "freshens" the look
of the paint job. In Australia this is called "Cut & Polish".
We used it and sold our car ahead of others that had been in the
Traveller's Lot for longer. This lot in Sydney, by the way, is in the
Car Park at King's Cross (where all the hostels are). Also, it helps if
the car is set-up for travelling. Ours had a mattress and camping stove
so the couple who bought it from us were all set to go." <Larry
Lustig>

A good general link to vehicles is an article in the
Traveller's Handbook.
For those really ambitious individuals that want to bring their own wheels, and don't mind the
cost, delays, shipping hassles, and border bribes, this book has plenty of useful information.